From the very first drumbeat at 11:00 a.m., the energy will be electric. Over 7,000 participants will march, perform, and dazzle along the parade route, starting at 19th Street and JFK Boulevard. The parade will then march down JFK to Juniper, then across Market Street, ending at 5th and Chestnut Streets, just steps away from Independence Hall, where America’s Navy was born.

This family-friendly, free event is open to all spectators. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a cozy spot along the route, and prepare to be swept up in the excitement of this unforgettable milestone in American history. From professional floats and giant cold-air balloons to high-energy marching bands and historic reenactments, the parade is designed to be both a breathtaking spectacle and a heartfelt tribute to the Navy and Marine Corps.

This isn’t your average parade. Imagine floats as colorful and creative as a Broadway stage set, with themes that honor both history and patriotism. Look out for the Birthday Cake Float, the Pirate Ship Float, the American Eagle Navy & Marine Float, and more. The skies will brighten with massive balloons, including Lady Liberty, Uncle Sam, and the Navy-Marine Logo Ball, towering high above the crowd.

On the ground, the music will sweep you off your feet as more than a dozen marching bands bring the rhythm to JFK Boulevard and Market Street. From the U.S. Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps to powerhouse university bands like Temple University’s Diamond Band and local favorites like the South Philadelphia String Band, the music will keep the energy soaring all morning long.

And that’s not all, you’ll see historic units, JROTC groups, Young Marines, naval cadets, dancers, cultural performers, and even Ben Franklin himself riding “Caroline the Electric Carriage.” With so many unique elements, every moment of the parade promises something new to discover.

This isn’t just a parade, it’s a moment in history. It’s the chance to honor the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps while celebrating Philadelphia’s unique role as the birthplace of the Navy. Whether you’re snapping photos of the giant balloons, marching along with the beat of the bands, or simply soaking in the patriotic energy, you’ll be part of a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

So mark your calendars, pack your red, white, and blue, and join us on October 13, 2025, for the Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade. Come for the spectacle, stay for the history, and leave with memories you’ll never forget.